An exploration of individuals’ preferences for nutrition care from Australian primary care health professionals

Abstract

This qualitative study explored individuals’ preferences regarding the provision of nutrition care from Australian health professionals and the factors influencing their preferences. Thirty-eight individuals aged 53 ± 8 years, living with a lifestyle-related chronic disease or risk factor for lifestyle-related chronic disease, participated in a semi-structured telephone interview. Participants were asked questions regarding their perceptions of which Australian health professionals provide nutrition care, their preferences for this care and the factors influencing their preferences. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using a constant-comparison approach. General practitioners were the most recognised health professional that provided nutrition care to patients, followed by dietitians. General practitioners were regarded by most participants as the preferred provider of nutrition care because they were perceived to provide trustworthy and personalised nutrition care. Participants reported confusion regarding the professional differences between dietitians and nutritionists, and appealed for more information to be available to individuals that are considering consulting an Australian health professional for nutrition care. The findings of this study suggest that general practitioners are the preferred providers of nutrition care for many individuals living with a lifestyle-related chronic disease. Considering the increasing presentation of patients with lifestyle-related chronic disease in general practice, it is anticipated that the demand on general practitioners to provide nutrition care to patients will increase in the future.